Friday, November 11, 2011

I am God, Your God!

“O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly bring to my altar. But I want no more bulls from your barns; I want no more goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. Every bird of the mountains and all the animals of the field belong to me. If I were hungry, I would not mention it to you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. I don't need the bulls you sacrifice, I don't need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50: 7-15 NLT

I don't have anything against the animals that you are killing on the altar. But I have enough of that. In fact, all animals are mine. If I were hungry, would I even have to mention it to you or depend on you? What I want instead is true thankfulness from you. Fulfill to me the things you have promised to do. Trust me. I will rescue you and you will give me glory, not sacrifices.

I don't have anything against your tithe or your offering. But I have enough of that. In fact, all the world's mine in the first place. Would I tell you if I needed something or would it just happen? I want instead your thanks, your trust, your promises and vows fulfilled. Then, when you are in trouble I will save you and you will give me glory.

God, may we be truly thankful, trust in you and give you glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.